Challenges Ahead: US Reps Hold Forum On Health Reform

Kansas City, MO – Representatives Cleaver, Moore, and Emerson met with leaders of the area's health care industry Monday at what they called a bipartisan listening session on health reform. KCUR's Elana Gordon has more.

The three lawmakers told the group of about 100 that political divides and competing interests stand in the way of overhauling the nation's health care system. But Representative Dennis Moore also said reform is a top priority on Capitol Hill right now, especially given the economic importance of the health care and the growing number of people who lack coverage.

MOORE: If we work together - this year I'm hopeful we can get the thing, the beginning in place to reform and give Americans a health care system for all of us.

The Mid America Coalition on Health Care suggested members of Congress make improvements to the system through small steps, like simplifying paperwork and restructuring physician reimbursements. Missouri's AARP chapter said no matter what, health care needs to be more affordable and accessible to everyone. The lawmakers have scheduled similar health forums in Cape Girardeau and St. Louis later this week.

Funding for health care coverage on KCUR has been provided by the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City.